Lynda La Plante - The Legacy

Sir Charles poured more port. He spoke in a calm, conversational voice that was not raised in the slightest. ‘Now, now, let’s not get into a nasty argument, let’s just take things easy, shall we? Whatever marital problems you both may have they certainly wouldn’t look good spread across the Cardiff Herald … all that is required of you both is a simple statement saying you escorted Miss Jones …’

David turned his anger on Sir Charles. ‘Exactly what are you implying? None of your bloody business! What marital problems? Eh? What? What’s he talking about?’ He was on his feet, blazing, moving round to Freddy’s chair with his fist up and looking foolish and inept.

”Sit down, David! Sit, please, let’s not raise our voices, we don’t want the ladies upset… and I really don’t want to drag my cousin into any adverse publicity.’

David sat down again like a lamb, reached for his port and downed the remainder of the glass in one gulp. Freddy looked at Sir Charles. ‘The girl was brought to the fair by David, that is all I know, I had nothing to do with her, but if David agrees, then … David?’

David simply stared at Freddy.

‘If David agrees, I will go along with whatever he has to say. David?’

There was a short burst of humourless laughter from David, then he glared at Freddy. ‘I’m sure you will, always such a friend, I am not going into a bloody court and that’s final.’

Sir Charles smiled his thanks at Freddy and asked to be left alone with David. As Freddy closed the door Sir Charles picked up the decanter, carried it round the table and sat close to David, who reached for the port. Suddenly, Sir Charles’ hand shot out and gripped David’s wrist. ‘No more, old fella, I want a private chat.’ ‘I’ve got a headache.’

‘Dare say you have, this won’t take long … David, I would hate what I say ever to go beyond this room, but I want you, should I need you, in that courtroom.’

‘I don’t remember things, haven’t you been told? You put me on a witness stand and I’ll go to pieces.’

‘All you have to do is sign a statement, that’ll be good enough. I don’t want to have to subpoena you, then you’d have to take the stand, don’t make me do that … You know, David, you were not the only officer to turn tail, you were in the front line for six months, and your reputation was unblemished … I recall many officers — in particular poor old Ridgely — often spoke of you. Remember Ridgely, do you? Died of syphilis, I’m told.’

David went grey, his forehead puckered, and he turned terrible, pleading eyes to Sir Charles.

‘Face it, don’t be afraid, it’s over, no one blames you. But sadly, there are those who can never understand. There was nightmare carnage, human carnage, to face day in, day out. It can destroy any man …’ ‘I don’t know what you are talking about.’ Sir Charles rose from the table and carefully replaced the chair. He felt deep disgust for this shell of a man, a captain who had turned tail on twenty-five of his men. Not one survived. His voice was little more than a whisper. ‘Oh, I think you do.’

David stared at him, like a frightened child. ‘My lawyer will contact you for the statement. Now shall we join the ladies, Captain?’

Freddy had already joined the ladies. The atmosphere was decidedly chilly. A bowl of water and a cloth were brought by Dewhurst, and Freddy helped Lady Primrose try to remove the coffee stain. In furtive whispers he told her what had taken place in the dining room. ‘Charles knows about us, God knows how. David’s been drinking, you’ll have to get him home — he looks as if he’s going to throw one of his fits.’

They were joined by an ebullient Sir Charles. He gave Evelyne a small wink to say all was well, then sat with Heather, offering her the remains of the chocolates with a flourish. They discussed the family chocolate and toffee bsuiness, and he made a mental note to check out the Warner shares, perhaps buy a few. The company would be at an all-time low after the war, so the shares would be cheap.

Lady Primrose went to the open dining-room doors, then turned with a sigh, saying that she felt she should take David home, he was obviously tired. Dewhurst fetched wraps and coats, and everyone thanked Sir Charles politely. Evelyne was ignored, left sitting with her empty coffee cup. David seemed in a world of his own, his eyes vacant and a soft smile on his lips, but as they all left he turned back to Evelyne, raised his hand as though he wanted to say something. Primrose slipped her arm about his waist. ‘Come along, David, the car’s waiting.’

When he returned from seeing them out, Sir Charles clapped his hands.

‘All went as planned, dearie, we will have their statements first thing in the morning. Now, if you will excuse me, I’m away to my bed. Dewhurst, show the young lady out.’

Evelyne stared at her reflection in the dressing-table mirror, then she tried to do the Charleston, holding on to the back of the chair. A sad, silly gesture, and she immediately felt foolish.

She replaced the diamonds and emeralds in their leather case. Like the jewels, she felt as though she had been hired for the night.

Ed Meadows walked Miss Freda home through the damp night. He was flushed from all the beer he had drunk, and Miss Freda was equally pink in the face from her numerous port and lemons.

‘Well, it’s been ever such a nice evenin’, Freda, perhaps we could do it again if you’d like, I mean, I don’t wanna be too forward. Are you walkin’ out wiv anyone?’

Tittering, Freda placed her hand over her mouth. Ed grinned.

‘You’re a lovely-looking woman, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meself ternight, been a good time.’

Lifting her tiny hand to his lips he gave it a resounding kiss. She smiled sweetly, very much the lady. ‘I would like so much to see you again, I have had a wonderful time too.’

Ed rocked on his heels, he was so tickled. ‘Well then, we’ll do it again, g’night… Oh, Freda, I’m not married or nuffink, are you available, like?’

She patted his barrel chest and he caught her to him and hugged her expertly. She giggled and pushed him away, gave him a coy, sexy flutter of the eyelids and hurried inside.

Ed tottered back to his bed-and-breakfast hotel, singing at the top of his voice, ‘I’m ‘Enery the eighth I am, ‘Enery the eighth I am, I am …’

In her cracked dressing-table mirror Freda studied her reflection. Well, she thought, he’s not much, but then nor am I. She wished she hadn’t lied about her age, though. She put her curlers in, creamed her face and lay down in her tiny, single bed. ‘You’re never too old, darling, but you’d better reel this fish in fast.’

The Rolls-Royce glided soundlessly along the dark, wet streets. David sat hunched in a corner, staring out into the night. Lady Primrose had tried to hold his hand, but he shrugged away from her. She remained close, trying not to let her thigh press against Freddy’s as he, too, sat in the back of the Rolls. Heather was sitting in the front with the driver, and she spoke as if to the windscreen wiper. ‘Thought it was a good meal, didn’t you, dear?’

Freddy made no reply. He sighed, and Primrose looked at him. His face was haunted, he wanted her, loved her so dearly.

‘I want to see a doctor, some kind of specialist, maybe it would help me,’ said David, petulantly.

Primrose slipped her arm through David’s and rested her head on his shoulder. He was trembling, his whole body shaking.

‘Yes, dearest, that is a good idea.’ Tears came into her eyes. She couldn’t bear to turn to Freddy, she wanted him so much, loved him so much.

They were silent as the car drove on, the only sound the ‘swish, swish’ of the tyres on the wet streets.